Dads are not alone at home

June 27, 2007

Updated: Monday, June 7, 2010 (11:04)

Paul Smith with his 16-month-old son Mark and four-year-old daughter Amy.

FATHERS who choose to stay at home to look after their children can now find help and support through a new website. The idea has been launched by a Godmanchester father of two. Paul Smith has been a stay-at- home dad for four years, but felt there was a

FATHERS who choose to stay at home to look after their children can now find help and support through a new website.

The idea has been launched by a Godmanchester father of two.

Paul Smith has been a stay-at- home dad for four years, but felt there was a need for greater interaction - and more advice - for other fathers in similar positions.

Mr Smith, who looks after his four-year-old daughter Amy, and his 16-month-old son, Mark, told The Hunts Post he wanted other dads to know "they are not alone".

"I decided to start the website after looking around on the internet and finding literally thousands of websites for mums and babies, but very few that relate specifically to stay at home dads," he said.

While his wife Frances goes to work as a teacher at Westfield Junior School in St Ives, Mr Smith looks after the children and works on his website.

The 33-year-old added: "Men are just as capable of looking after children as woman, and should be recognised and accepted instead of being seen as just the oddity.

"This website is aimed at those fathers who are taking on this new role and hopes to increase awareness of the stay at home dad."

The website contains parenting information and advice, a selection of articles written by stay at home dads, gadgets and toys for dads and children, and readers' rants - such as the lack of public toilets with changing facilities for babies.

"I believe I have created a website that men would feel comfortable and relaxed visiting - somewhere they could get information, advice, and support, to see what other dads were saying and most importantly know that they are not alone."

Mr Smith believes fathers are taking more of an active role in caring for their children and the number of dads who choose to stay at home is on the increase. He estimates there are currently 200,000 dads are staying at home to look after their children.

INFORMATION: To find out more visit www.stayathomedads.co.uk or send an email: thestayathomedad@yahoo.co.uk